Off-Roading 101: The Role of Bump Stops in Suspension Performance
It can seem like there's a lot to learn when you're just getting started in off-roading. However, it’s a hobby that includes a helpful community that will provide you with plenty of suggestions along the way. Here are answers to some of the most common questions beginning off-roaders have...
Introduction to off-road basics: What are the rules of the trail?
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Modifications to your off-road chariot: Before you start upgrading your rig, take it out just as it is and see what it can and cannot do. Tires is going to be your first consideration. If your SUV has regular street tires, you’re gonna want to upgrade to at least all-terrain and dedicated off-road tires. Of course, adding bigger tires will require enough vehicle lift to accommodate the change. Bigger tires usually require lifting the vehicle an inch or two.
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Locating off-road trails. There are many region-specific guidebooks that not only provide trail maps and coordinates but also interesting background information about local trails in your area.
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Basic gear requirements for most organized trail runs:
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Front and rear recovery points, either tow hooks or D-ring shackles
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Tow strap
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Roll bar/cage
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Basic jack and tool set
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Fire extinguisher
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Communications: a CB is best although a handheld GMRS two-way radio might be okay until you can get a CB installed
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Full-size spare tire
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Common sense dictates that you include the following list of items:
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Heavy work gloves
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Jumper cables
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Flashlight
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Shovel
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GPS and maps
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First aid kit
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Shovel
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Snatch block
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Fluids for vehicle
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Tire pressure gauge
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Air compressor
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Additional clothing
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Never go it alone. There are too many things that could go wrong!
Can you have fun and still play it safe?
It’s never fun when something goes wrong on your first off-road adventure. The most common mishap is getting stuck. No matter how experienced your driver may be, everyone gets stuck at least once. There’s an easy and safe way to get unstuck. The following are rules to follow to keep things from going bad to worse:-
Don’t rush.
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Assess the situation.
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Drop tire pressure.
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Use your vehicle recovery tracks
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Drop your vehicle into low gear and move forward slowly
FYI - To keep from losing control of your vehicle, reduce the impact of bottoming out by installing a set of off-road bump stops like Timbren’s Active Off-Road Bumpstops. These off-road bumpstops are designed to soften the impact when your vehicle bottoms out. The “whoops” can be fun but can also hurt you and your SUV. A set of Active Off-road Bumpstops will make it safer by helping you control your vehicle while everyone is having a great time.
What are Active Off-road Bumpstops?
Active Off-Road Bumpstops are made by the same company that manufactures Timbren SES products. In fact, Timbren’s Aeon® hollow rubber springs can also be used as bump stops for off-road vehicles. Much like the Timbren SES helper springs, they install in the same location as the factory bump stops.
But do not confuse the Timbren SES with Active Off-Road Bumpstops. Timbren SES products are meant to help with additional loads. On the other hand, Active Off-Road Bumpstops are rubber bump stops you can install on your SUV to assist when the suspension bottoms out.
The rubber springs in an Active Off-Road bumpstops kit are made of soft rubber with a hollow core, able to soften the harsh ‘jolt’ when the suspension hits bottom.
This increased dampening response helps the driver maintain better control of the vehicle while off-roading. Active Off-Road Bumpstops replace the factory bump stops on your vehicle.
What are the benefits of Active Off-road Bumpstops?
Off-roading or overlanding with factory bumpstops can ruin your trip. Maybe you’ve experienced it before: harsh bottoming out, bone-rattling bumps, and dangerous uncontrolled handling that can hurt you and destroy your suspension and shocks. With Active Off-Road Bumpstops, you can hit the trails without taking damaging hits to your suspension.
Made from our Aeon® springs, Active Off-Road Bumpstops dampen the harsh jounce every time your vehicle bottoms out, creating a softer, safer ride over even the biggest bumps, dips, and whoops. This means reduced stress on you, your passengers, and your suspension, allowing you to stay out on the trails much longer to explore comfortably and in control.
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Hydrogen Bump Stops retail somewhere between $460.00 - $640.00.
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Active Off-road Bumpstops retail for $297.00
Low-cost Active Off-road Bumpstops are worth every penny. Every kit comes with a Lifetime Warranty and a 100-Day Money Back Guarantee.
For more information on Active Off-Road Bumpstops and how to get your hands on a set, visit Timbren.com or contact Customer Service: Sales@timbren.com
